Day 11. Whitehorse

Today was going to be all about a little relaxation, and see some of Whitehorse - we succeeded on both counts! We woke this morning to a lovely sunny day. Not completely cloud free, but still very pleasant. First things first, breakfast. We got ready to go out and find a suitable 'eatery' close at hand. After a short wander, we ended up in Starbucks of all places. I suggested we try another Tims, but this was swiftly vetoed due to previous bad experiences. So Starbucks it was and with no savoury food available, it was coffee & cake again.......... At least it would fill a hole!

Before breakfast, we'd roughed out an itinerary for the day. This would include a ride out to some hot springs for a soak. Then head back into town for a wander and look at the SS Klondike, a beautiful restored paddle steamer on display as you arrive in Whitehorse. So on with some biking gear and off to the hot springs. The Takhini hot springs are about 28km north of town, so wouldn't take a long ride. All the better really as we were doing this one '2 up'. Due to 'Sydders' being laid up, we both climbed on to 'Gertie' and headed out of town. I could tell very quickly that Wendy was nervous at being on the pillion. She twitched about like a beginner, but it has been a long while since she has ridden behind me, and the 'Beemer' doesn't have the luxury of a back rest which offers some protection. Not wanting to frighten her, I was very careful on the throttle & brakes, making it to the hot springs without incident.

I could give you all chapter & verse about the history of the hot springs - I won't. instead, I'd draw you to another web link: www.takhinihotsprings.com . The OAT was about 17'c/63'F, with a bit of a breeze coming down off the mountains. Cool enough to make you get into the waters a bit 'sharpish'. The main rectangular pool was a very pleasant temperature, not overly hot. There were only two things in the water that were not too pleasant. Small but dead black flies by the score, creating something of a luke warm fly soup..... It wasn't a carpet or anything like that, but you were certainly aware of their presence if you sat still long enough. The other was far more offensive, and unlike the flies, was well & truly alive. An 8 or 9 year old girl, whose 'heffer' of a mother was constantly making the little brat squeal. I was for drowning both of the buggers, but Wend thought that a little excessive!!!

Instead, we decided to move into the hot waters in a 'D' shaped pool at the far end of the rectangular pool we were in. In an attempt to keep the temperature difference, there were two small sprung gates at the top corners of the rectangular pool, through which you gained access to the 'simmering pot'! I'm here to tell you, it wasn't just the bloody flies that were boiled on impact!!!!!! We slowly immersed ourselves in the hot water, and lay back to enjoy the relaxing sensation. Now I know what a lobster must feel like being dropped into the pot! We were actually starting to enjoy the pool when 'heffer' & brat made their way in to visit Grandma, who was reclining against the wall about 6' feet from where we were. Ohhh and the hot waters did make the adorable child squeal with delight. Wendy had to physically restrain me from drowning the pair of the buggers! Fortunately for all concerned, the 'gruesome twosome' decided to go get something to eat. We relaxed for a while longer, then decided to call a halt to our 'boil in the bag' experience!

Changed, and skin returning to a more normal colour, we threw on the bike gear. The hot springs are at the end of a side road, off the main Whitehorse, Dawson City road. On the way down the road to the hot springs, Wendy had spotted a coffee shop tucked in the trees. They advertised using organic coffee, so we thought we'd give them a try. Now even if you have a wild imagination, you would never come up with this location as a trendy coffee stop. I'll try to include a shot of the place as a 'picture of the day'. It was a delightful place and the coffee was wonderful. It really helped wash down the home made carrot cake...................., what????? Suitably refreshed, we got back on the bike and headed back to Whitehorse.

At the hotel, we dumped wet swimming 'togs' and bike gear. Changed again, we headed out to hunt for - luggage! We have bought so many 'bits & pieces', the luggage we brought with us has reached overflow! So we dropped by a chain camping, hiking, 'outdoory' sort of place ( I felt right at home - not!) to look for a suitable bag. Long short, we got a good sized bag, which is completely waterproof and will fit perfectly on the back of 'Gertie'. However, this will be ON TOP OF, the BMW waterproof bag I already strap to 'Gerties' luggage rack. So glad we came on a biking vacation where luggage is limited................ So, clutching new bag, off we headed to get some history.

History in Whitehorse doesn't come much more important than the SS Klondike. A beautifully restored paddle steamer, which was in cargo service until 1952, then a river cruise ship until she was finally retired in 1955. Take a look at this link: http://www.yukoninfo.com/whitehorse/info/ssklondike.htm . In the early 60's, she was restored and relocated to her current position on the approach into town. Parks Canada look after her, and run regular guided tours round the ship. We joined one such tour for a trip back in time. I love this sort of living history and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Our guide Zoe was very knowledgeable and we were fortunate to have a fairly small group. We toured the ship from stem to stern, boiler room to engine room and gangway to bridge. Basically we saw the lot! Tour complete and lots more photo's taken, we headed back to the hotel.

Now we plan to have a relaxing evening reading and packing, not trying to think too much about tomorrow morning, and getting 'Sydders' on the road again. That's it then, we've reached the norther most tip of our little adventure. Tomorrow all being well, we start the run home, about 1000 miles in 4 days! In the end, that is what this vacation was about, to see some of this wonderful country from the vantage point of a bike. That's it for today then, more tomorrow - nite nite from Whitehorse.